Packaging for golf equipment using soft touch coating

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to golf ball packages using a coating that gives a soft touch and antiglare effects. In addition, the soft touch coating can be applied to golf equipments, such as golf balls, golf gloves and golf clubs, and to golf displays. The coating may also have a color traveling effect.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to packaging for golf equipment using a coating that gives a soft touch and/or antiglare effects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Packaging protects and identifies the merchandises. Properly prepared packaging is necessary at the retail level. Packaging can bring forth special aspects of the merchandise, such as making the products look more attractive and desirable to the customers. Similarly, packaging for golf balls and golf equipment conveys the quality of the golf balls and golf equipment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,891 to Snell relates to a packaging for golf balls that prevents moisture absorption by a golf ball during storage. This reference discloses a package that includes a sealing member at least a portion of which comprises a moisture barrier that preferably forms an airtight seal around the golf ball. This reference discloses, as an alternate, an externally rigid structural member having a canister-like configuration. This reference represents a method of packaging that offers protection of the merchandise.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,269 to Vitti relates to a method of marking and packaging of golf balls. In this reference, each golf ball in a box or package is marked with (a) a multi-digit indicia which is common among all the balls in the same package but changes from package to package in a predetermined fashion, and (b) a reference numeral that identifies each individual ball in the same package. This reference represents a method of packaging that offers identification of the merchandise.

U.S. Pat. No. D482,610 to Molitor et al. is an ornamental design for a flexible package for golf ball sleeves. The transparent packaging displays a set of golf balls to customers in such a way that customers can see what is inside the package.

However, there is still a need to find packaging of golf balls and golf equipment that can further enhance the sale by making the products look more attractive and desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first embodiment, the present invention is directed to a golf ball package comprising a plurality of golf balls, and a container enclosing the golf balls with one or more layers of a soft touch coating. The coating comprises a water-based coating composition and a suspension of a plurality of silicone rubber particles in water. The coating gives a soft touch and/or antiglare effect to the package.

The water-based coating composition is a member selected from the group consisting of water-based polyurethane resin coating compositions, water-based alkyd resin coating compositions, water-based aminoalkyd resin coating compositions, water-based epoxy resin coating compositions, water-based acrylic resin coating compositions, water-based silicone-modified epoxy resin coating compositions, water-based silicone-modified polyester resin coating compositions and water-based silicone resin coating compositions.

The silicone rubber particles have an average particle size of less than about 200 micrometers. Preferably, the silicone rubber particles have an average particle size of about 1 to 100 micrometers. The silicone rubber particles are present in 1 to 150 weight parts per 100 weight parts of total solids in the water-based coating composition.

The silicone rubber particles may comprise organopolysiloxane, filler and pigment. The organopolysiloxane is attached an alkenyl group, hydrogen, and a vinyl group. The filler can be precipitated silica, fumed silica, calcined silica, fumed titanium oxide, powdered quartz, diatomaceous earth, asbestos, aluminosilicic acid, iron oxide, zinc oxide, and calcium carbonate.

The silicone rubber particles may comprise two average particle sizes. The first average particle size is about 0.1 to less than about 4 microns. The second average particle size is about 4 to about 200 micrometers. Preferably, the first average particle size is about 0.1 to about 3.5 micrometers, and the second average particle size is about 4 to about 200 micrometers. More preferably, the first average particle size is about 0.1 to 3.5 micrometers and the second average particle size is about 4 to about 100 micrometers.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the soft touch coating may comprise a two-component thermosetting polyurethane that is substantially saturated. The coating a coefficient of friction of about 0.8 to 1.5, and a 60° gloss of about 80 to 95 gloss units.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, the soft touch coating may further comprise an ordered periodic array of particles held in a matrix. The particles have an average size of about 0.01 to 1 micron, and the coating gives both a soft touch effect and a color traveling effect to the package. A difference between a first refractive index of the particles and a second refractive index of the matrix is at least about 0.01. The color traveling matrix can be in the same layer as the soft touch coating or be in a separate layer.

The soft touch coating of the present invention can also be applied to golf equipment, such as golf balls, golf clubs, golf gloves, golf shoes, golf bags, and other golf accessories. The soft touch coating of the present invention can also be applied to a golf display counter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a box 10 of golf balls that has a soft touch coating 14 on the surface.

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a sleeve 12 of golf balls that has a soft touch coating 14 on the surface.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a coating having an ordered periodic array of particles in a matrix that exhibits color traveling effect. This figure only described the color effect material, not the soft touch composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to packaging for golf balls or golf equipment with a soft touch coating. The soft touch and/or antiglare coating can be applied directly on the packaging. The coating can also be applied to the golf balls or golf equipment, or on golf display counter.

In the first embodiment, the soft touch coating comprises a water-based coating composition and a suspension of silicone rubber particles in water.

In the second embodiment, the soft touch coating comprises a substantially hydrophobic composition based on materials, such as polyurethane, acrylic, epoxy, vinyl, and latex in a one-component or two-component chemical system.

In the third embodiment, the soft touch coating further comprises an ordered periodic array of polymeric particles in a polymeric matrix wherein the particles have an average size of about 0.01 to 1 micron. When the difference of refractive indices between the particles and the matrix is greater than about 0.1, the coating will also have a color traveling effect, in addition to a soft touch and/or antiglare effect to the package. These embodiments are discussed in details below.

One or more layers of a soft touch coating in accordance to the present invention are applied on a package for golf balls and golf equipment, and as a result, the package is soft to the touch to a potential customer. A touch of softness on the package may invoke a pleasant feeling such as gentleness, smoothness, quietness, calmness, tenderness, effortlessness, serenity, tranquility or any combination thereof. Consequently, a potential customer may be more attracted to the package by the soft touch coating, and may develop a stronger desire to purchase the golf balls or golf equipment inside the package. Therefore, the sale of the ball and equipment is enhanced by the soft touch coating on the packaging.

According to the present invention, the soft touch coating on a package for golf equipment may also give rise to an antiglare or flat appearance on the package. An antiglare or flat appearance on a package may simply make a package look different by not reflecting light. A package that does not reflect light will look different and outstanding from its surrounding light reflecting packages of other brands.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, golf ball packages 10 and 14 contain one or more soft touch coatings 12 thereon. Coatings 12 can cover the entire packages or portion(s) thereof. Coating 12 can also be attached directly to golf equipment or portion(s) thereof, which may include golf balls, golf gloves, golf shoes, golf bags, apparels and other accessories. Coatings 12 can also be applied to display counters or flooring in the vicinity of the display counter.

One or more layers of the soft touch coating according to the present invention may be applied by painting, or spraying of the coating composition to the desired area on the surface of the package, the golf equipment, the display counter, and the flooring in the vicinity of the display counter. The coating can also be prepared as sheets and attached to the desired surface with adhesive.

According to the first embodiment of present invention, the soft touch coating comprises a water-based coating composition and a suspension of a coating resin component emulsified in water. After being applied, the coating resin component dries or cures in association with removal of the water fraction to form a coating film.

Suitable water-based coating compositions include compositions that cure at ambient temperature, and compositions that dry at ambient temperature. Other suitable compositions can cure or dry at elevated temperature. Examples of water-based thermosetting coating compositions include water-based polyurethane resin coating compositions, water-based alkyd resin coating compositions, water-based aminoalkyd resin coating compositions, water-based epoxy resin coating compositions, water-based acrylic resin coating compositions, water-based silicone-modified epoxy resin coating compositions, water-based silicone-modified polyester resin coating compositions, water-based silicone resin coating compositions, or a combination thereof.

Preferably, the soft touch coating composition comprises a silicone rubber suspension and a water-based coating composition. The silicone rubber suspension comprises the dispersion of a silicone rubber microparticulate in water. While the particle size of the silicone rubber microparticulate in the silicone rubber suspension is not specifically restricted, the average particle size of the silicone rubber microparticulate in the silicone rubber suspension preferably does not exceed about 200 micrometers. More preferably silicone rubber suspensions will contain silicone rubber microparticulate whose average particle size falls within the range of about 1 to 100 micrometers. Silicone-modified water-based coating composition with particles within the range of about 1 to about 100 micrometers can be applied by spraying without clogging.

The amount of the silicone rubber suspension to be added to the soft touch coating should be sufficient to impart a soft touch, or an antiglare or flat effect. Preferably, the content of the silicone rubber microparticulate preferably falls within the range of about 1 to 150 weight parts, and particularly preferably within the range of about 1 to 100 weight parts per 100 weight parts total solids in the water-based coating composition.

The silicone rubber suspension of the soft touch coating can be prepared by emulsifying a liquid silicone rubber composition in water and then curing the liquid silicone rubber composition. In accordance to one aspect of this embodiment, the liquid silicone rubber composition is exemplified by addition-reaction-curing liquid silicone rubber compositions which are cured by a platinum-catalyzed addition reaction. In another aspect, the liquid silicone rubber composition is exemplified by condensation-reaction-curing liquid silicone rubber compositions, which are cured by a condensation reaction in the presence of an organotin compound or organotitanium compound, and organoperoxide-curing liquid silicone rubber compositions.

The addition-reaction-curing liquid silicone rubber compositions comprise liquid silicone rubber compositions whose essential components are organopolysiloxane containing silicon-bonded alkenyl groups, SiH-containing organopolysiloxane, and platinum-type catalyst. These compositions may optionally contain filler, pigment, and curing-reaction retarder.

The condensation-reaction-curing liquid silicone rubber compositions comprise liquid silicone rubber compositions whose essential components are silanol-containing organopolysiloxane, SiH-containing organopolysiloxane or alkoxysilane, and curing catalysts such organotin compound, organotitanium compound or platinum-type compound. Preferably, the organoperoxide-curing liquid silicone rubber compositions comprise liquid silicone rubber compositions whose essential components are vinyl-containing organopolysiloxane and organoperoxide. These organotin, organotitanium and organoperioxide systems may also optionally contain filler and pigment.

Fillers can be blended into the above-listed liquid silicone rubber compositions. Such fillers can be reinforcing fillers such as precipitated silica, fumed silica, calcined silica, fumed titanium oxide, and the like, or non-reinforcing fillers such as powdered quartz, diatomaceous earth, asbestos, aluminosilicic acid, iron oxide, zinc oxide, calcium carbonate, and the like. The fillers may be directly blended into the liquid silicone rubber composition, or it may be mixed after treatment of its surface with an organosilicon compound, such as hexamethyldisilazane, trimethylchlorosilane, dimethylsiloxane oligomer, and the like. Furthermore, the following optionally components may be mixed or blended with pigments, curing-reaction retarders, epoxy-containing organic compounds, amino-containing organic compounds, heat stabilizers, flame retardants, plasticizers, and noncurable organopolysiloxanes.

The silicone rubber suspension can be prepared by first introducing a liquid silicone rubber composition as described above into water and forming an emulsion thereof by mixing to homogeneity using a mixing means such as a colloid mill or homomixer, and then curing the liquid silicone rubber composition.

Preferably a surfactant can be included to improve the storage stability of the silicone rubber suspension and to support an increased concentration of silicone rubber microparticulate. Surfactants may be classified according to the nature of the hydrophilic group: anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric. Suitable surfactants include nonionic surfactants, in which the hydrophilic head is polar but not fully charged. To describe the relative amounts of hydrophilic and hydrophobic character of the surfactants, the hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) values are used. HLB values are sometimes assigned by observation of and experience concerning the emulsifications behavior of surfactants. Likewise, HLB values can be assigned to substances that are to be emulsified. Matching the HLB values of substance to be emulsified and the surfactant is a good starting point for the selection of an appropriate surfactant. Further details of the descriptions of surfactants may be found in “Surfactants—A Primer” by W. S. Perkins, available at http://www.p2pays.org/ref/03/02960.pdf. In one aspect of the first embodiment, it is preferred to use two types of nonionic surfactants having different HLB values, and preferably their HLB values differ by at least 5.

The method for preparing the silicone-modified water-based coating composition is not specifically restricted, and it may be prepared simply by the addition, with mixing, of a separately prepared silicone rubber suspension to a water-based coating composition. The silicone-modified water-based coating composition according to the first embodiment may also be manufactured by preparing the coating resin component itself in the silicone rubber suspension. When the water-based coating composition has a high total solid concentration, the composition preferably has a silicone rubber suspension with a high concentration of silicone rubber microparticulate. Also, preferably the coating resin component is prepared in the silicone rubber suspension.

With regard to components other than the silicone rubber suspension, the silicone-modified water-based coating composition may contain inorganic powder, thickener, pigment, and the like, as long as the object of the present invention is not impaired.

The silicone-modified water-based coating composition can be applied by the coating methods employed for ordinary organic solvent-based coating compositions, for example, spray coating, electrostatic coating, immersion coating, curtain flow coating, roll coating, shower coating, and the like.

Other suitable coating compositions may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,708,057 to Morita et al., which is incorporated here by reference in its entirety. The '057 patent is related to a silicone-modified water-based coating composition that forms a mat film when dried, which is soft to the touch.

In a different aspect of this embodiment, the soft touch coating comprises a water-based coating composition and a suspension of a plurality of silicone particles having at least two different average particle sizes. As a result, the finished coating will appear to be more flat. The coating is prepared by adding an aqueous suspension of silicone particles to a water-based coating composition. The shape of the silicone particles can be spherical, oblate, or amorphous. Spherical shape imparts superior flat finish properties to the coating film and better dispersibility in the water-based coating material composition. The consistency of the silicone particles can be rubbery, gel like, or resin like.

This water-based coating material composition comprises silicone particles with a first average particle size of about 0.1 to about 4, and silicone particles with a second average particle size of about 4 to about 200 micrometers. Preferably, the first average particle size is about 0.1 to about 3.5 micrometers, and the second average particle size is about 4 to about 200 micrometers. More preferably, the first average particle size is about 0.1 to about 3.5 micrometers and the second average particle is about 4 to about 100 micrometers. The consistency of the smaller silicone particles can be rubbery or resin like, and the consistency of the larger silicone particles can be rubbery. To impart scratch resistance to coating films, both consistencies should be rubbery. The proportion of the smaller silicone particles to the larger silicone particles, in terms of weight ratio, is about 0.1:1 to about 1:0.1, preferably about 0.2:1 to about 1:0.2, and more preferably about 0.5:1 to about 1:0.5.

There are a number of ways of preparing the water-based coating compositions containing at least two sizes of silicone particles. For example, in one case, an aqueous suspension of the two different size silicone particles can be mixed with the water-based coating composition. In another case, one aqueous suspension of silicone particles is mixed with another aqueous suspension of silicone particles of a different average particle size, preferably using a colloid mill, Homomixer, or Homogenizer device.

Suitable silicone particles may be prepared by, but not limited to, one of the following processes:

-   -   (i) silicone resin, i.e., silsesquioxane, particles prepared by         subjecting hydrolyzable silanes such as organotrihalosilane and         organotrialkoxysilane to a hydrolytic condensation reaction         using a catalyst;     -   (ii) silicone rubber particles prepared by subjecting a silicone         composition of alkenyl containing polyorganosiloxanes and         polyorganosiloxanes that contain silicon bonded hydrogen atoms         to emulsification and addition polymerization in an aqueous         solution of surface active agent; and     -   (iii) silicone particles prepared by subjecting a silicone         composition of silanol containing polyorganosiloxanes,         polyorganosiloxanes containing silicon bonded hydrogen atoms or         silicon compounds containing silicon bonded hydrolyzable groups,         and optionally an organosilicon compound containing organic         functional groups and silicon bonded hydrolyzable groups, to         emulsification and condensation in an aqueous solution of         surface active agent.

Process (iii) is especially preferred for the preparation of the silicone particles. In process (iii), the silanol containing polyorganosiloxane is the primary component of the silicone composition and has at least two silanol groups per molecule. The molecular structure of the polyorganosiloxane can be linear, branched, or network, but the structure is preferably linear and partially branched. The silanol groups are preferably bonded to terminal ends of the molecular chain. Among organic groups bonded to silicon atoms in the polyorganosiloxane are substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon groups including alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl; alkenyl groups such as vinyl and allyl; aryl groups such as phenyl; aralkyl groups such as benzyl and phenethyl; cycloalkyl groups such as cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl; and halogentated alkyl groups such as 3-chloropropyl and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl.

Alternatively, silicone rubber particles used in the soft touch coating can be prepared by crosslinking the silicone composition emulsified in the aqueous emulsion of the silicone composition. It is preferred to maintain the temperature of the emulsion at 5 to 70° C. If the temperature of the emulsion is too low, the crosslinking reaction proceeds slowly, while if the temperature is higher, the stability of the emulsion is decreased.

In accordance to one aspect of the first embodiment, the content of silicone particles in the water-based coating material composition should be about 0.01 to about 50, preferably about 0.1 to about 50, and most preferably about 0.1 to about 20 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of solid matter in the water base coating material composition. In addition, it may contain other known flat finish imparting agents, inorganic fillers, thixotropicity controlling agents, thickeners, and pigments.

Other suitable examples of silicone particles for the soft touch and/or antiglare or flat compositions may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,124 to Morita et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In accordance to another aspect of this embodiment, a coating that gives a soft touch comprises particles that are coated, clad or encapsulated with one or more secondary materials to form a composite particle that has a softer surface. Typically, a less crosslinked coating is a softer coating, but may be susceptible to scratching. Other suitable soft touch coating may be found in the published U.S. App. Pub. 2004/0044165 by Barancyk et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The '165 application is directed to automobile coating compositions comprising one alcoholic hydroxyl group blocked with a hydrolysable silyl group and at least one curing agent.

According to the second embodiment of this invention, a soft touch coating can be formed from substantially hydrophobic materials that include, but not limited to polyurethane, acrylic, epoxy, vinyl, latex, and the like or combinations thereof. The soft touch coating layer can be translucent, transparent, or pigmented, having a thickness of about 0.0001 inches to about 0.01 inches. The soft touch coating layer has a Sward hardness of preferably less than about 20, more preferably less than about 10, and most preferably less than about 5. The soft touch coating layer has a cross hatch adhesion of about 90% to about 100% (based on ASTM D3359-O₂) and a pencil hardness of about 3B to about 3H (based on ASTM D3363-00). The soft touch coating layer preferably has a solid content of greater than about 40%, more preferably at least about 60%.

This soft touch coating preferably has a soft luxurious feel, capable of providing a high coefficient of friction (“COF”). As a result, the soft touch coating may be applied to packaging for golf equipment, or directly to golf equipment such as golf balls, golf clubs (i.e., a putter), without adversely affecting velocity or other flight properties of the golf ball after impacting by golf clubs (i.e., a driver). The material forming the coating layer has a Sward hardness of preferably less than about 20, more preferably less than about 10, and most preferably less than about 5. Sward hardness is tested according to ASTM D2134-66. Static friction is the force that holds back a stationary object up to the point that it just starts moving. Thus, the COF concerns the force restricting the movement of the stationary object with a relatively smooth, hard surface, such as a polished metal surface, resting on a coating layer. The inclined plane apparatus consists of a horizontal stationary plate rigidly mounted to a hinged incline plate attached to an actuator. Movement of the actuator arm permits adjustable inclined planes of up to 90°. A dry thin coating layer (less than about 0.01 inch in thickness) is formed on the hinged plate resting at 0° (in a horizontal position). At ambient temperature, a 2″×1.5″×1.5″ polished aluminum block of 194.49 g is placed on the coating layer, and the hinged plate moves slowly to raise the incline gradually from 0°, until the aluminum block just starts to slide. The angle of friction at that inclined position, also referred to as slide angle and angle of slippage, is recorded. This procedure is repeated ten (10) times to provide an averaged angle of friction θ. The COF is numerically equivalent to the tangent of this angle of friction: μ_(static)=tan θ. Corresponding to the preferred COF ranges described above, the coating layer of the present invention has an angle of friction of preferably greater than 30°, more preferably about 35° to about 65°, and most preferably about 45° to about 60°. Alternative methods and apparatus for COF assessment include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,685, and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/462,548 filed Jun. 13, 2003, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Preferably, the soft touch coating layer according to the second embodiment also has a substantial level of gloss, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The gloss of any surface is dependent on the underlying material composition, the surface smoothness, and its ability to reflect light, particularly visible light. Gloss is a measure of specular reflection: the higher the percentage of reflection, the glossier the surface. The level of gloss is typically measured with a gloss meter, which projects an illumination beam at an angle onto a sample surface, and measures the percentage of reflected light over a small range of the reflection angle that is registered by a detector. The illumination is preferably near infrared, which is almost impervious to ambient light or the effect of different colors. The illumination angle is critical, particularly for non-metals (coatings, plastics), because it is positively correlated to the amount of specular reflection. The difference between illumination and reflection is absorbed or diffusely scattered dependent on the material and its color. The result of reported by the gloss meter, in Gloss Units of 0 (completely transparent) to 100 (completely reflective) is normalized against the amount of reflected light from a black glass standard with a defined refractive index, which is calibrated to 100 Gloss Units. Measuring standards for gloss include ASTM D523-89, titled “Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss” and ASTM D2457-97, titled “Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss of Plastic Films and Solid Plastics.”

The soft touch coating in accordance to the second embodiment has a high COF outermost surface. The high COF of the outermost surface is preferably greater than 0.6, more preferably greater than about 0.7, and most preferably about 0.8 to about 1.5. The outermost surface is hydrophobic, having a 60° gloss of preferably at least about 3, more preferably at least about 50, and most preferably about 80 to about 95. The outermost surface can be the outer surface of a cover or an outer cover layer, but is preferably the outer surface of a coating layer. The hydrophobic soft touch coating of the second embodiment can be a one-component system or a two-component system.

The one-component systems are generally made up of minute, polymeric, reacted or partially reacted resinous particles that are suspended or dispersed in one or more solvents. Suitable resins include, but are not limited to, acid functional resins or unsaturated resins, such as epoxies, acrylics, polyethers, polyesters, polyamides, anhydrides, unsaturated carboxylic acid resins, unsaturated vinyl resins, and other radical polymerizable materials.

Typically, in the one-component systems, a suitable free-radical initiator is used to begin the polymerization process of forming the particles. The initiator may be a compound or a mixture of compounds, including thermal initiators and photoinitiators. Thermal initiators are preferably organic peroxides or azo compounds, such as di(t-amyl) peroxide, di(t-butyl) peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, lauryl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, di(2-t-butylperoxy-isopropyl)-benzene peroxide, 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethylhexane, n-butyl-4,4-bis(t-butylperoxy)valerate, t-butyl hydroperoxide, and the like. Photoinitiators include ultraviolet (“UV”) photoinitiators such as benzophenones, visible-light photoinitiators, or combinations of two or more thereof. The compound-based initiators may be present in an amount greater than about 0.1 parts per hundred of the total resin, preferably about 0.1 to about 15 parts, and more preferably about 0.2 to about 5 parts. The initiator may also be one or more energy means, such as heating, electron beam irradiation, x-ray irradiation, γ-ray irradiation, UV light irradiation, visible light irradiation, infrared light irradiation, microwave irradiation, or any other high-energy radiation sources capable of generating reactive free radicals. Curing and subsequent formation of the coating is further facilitated by evaporation of the solvent(s) and/or addition of a curing agent.

The two-component systems form a coating through a polymerization reaction of primary reactants upon mixing, optionally accompanied or followed by evaporation of the solvent(s). Coatings formed from two-component systems are generally preferred because of good cure at ordinary temperatures, formation of strong and stable linkages, and flexibility in choices of reactants. These characteristics makes the coatings resistant to water and chemical attacks, superior in strength and durability, and allows a high degree of freedom in designing the coating with desired physical, chemical, and optical properties.

Preferably, the soft touch coating composition of this embodiment is a thermosetting polyurethane system contains a component A and a component B reactive to each other.

Reactive component A comprises a polymer having at least one isocyanate-reactive functionality, such as a polyahl, and optionally one or more isocyanate-reactive modifiers. Preferred polyahls include polyols, polyamines, polymer precursors, or mixtures of two or more thereof. Non-limiting examples of polyols include acrylic polyols, polyester polyols, polyether polyols, polyolefin polyols, polycarbonate polyols, polyamide polyols, amino alcohols, short oil alkyds, epoxy resins with secondary hydroxy groups, phenolic resins, and polyvinyl polyols. Vinyl resins may be used preferably to promote adhesion. Polymer precursors include radiation-curable monomers, oligomers, and polymers, such as acrylates, methacrylates, epoxies, and combinations of two or more thereof. Polyamines and other polyols disclosed herein for various golf ball portions are also suitable for the coating layer.

Reactive component B comprises at least one isocyanate. Any isocyanate available to one of ordinary skill in the art is suitable for use according to the invention. The isocyanate may be organic, modified organic, saturated, aliphatic, alicyclic, unsaturated, araliphatic, aromatic, substituted, or unsubstituted diisocyanate or polyisocyanate monomers having two or more free reactive isocyanate (“NCO”) groups, isomers thereof, modified derivatives thereof, dimers thereof, trimers thereof, or isocyanurates thereof. The isocyanate may also include any isocyanate-terminated multimeric adducts, oligomers, polymers, prepolymers, low-free-monomer prepolymers, quasi-prepolymers, and modified polyisocyanates derived from the isocyanates and polyisocyanates above. Low-free-monomer prepolymers refer to prepolymers having free isocyanate monomer levels less than about 0.5 weight percent. Other suitable isocyanates can be found in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/462,548.

Preferably, the coating layer is formed from a two-component polyurethane system in a single- or multi-solvent dispersion having a medium to high solid content, with the percentage of solids by weight being greater than about 40% and by volume being greater than about 30%. The polyurethane coatings may be based on water, non-aqueous solvents, or combinations thereof. Non-aqueous systems typically employ relatively high concentrations of one or more organic solvents; water is generally excluded from the reaction environment. Organic solvents are expensive, hazardous (toxic and flammable), and undesirable especially for large-scale production. Therefore, water-borne coating systems are generally preferred.

The two-component, water-based polyurethane systems are preferably water-reducible in that the addition of water does not increase the tendency of foaming of the coating. Such a coating layer may eliminate the need for a primer coat or an adhesion promoting layer. Specific forms of aqueous coatings are aqueous solutions, emulsions, and colloidal dispersions. In the aqueous solution (of resin), the resin used has a hydrophilic functional group; a curing agent is used except when the resin is a particular alkyd resin; and heating and drying at high temperatures is necessary. In the emulsion and colloidal dispersion, ions, hydrophilic polymers, and low-molecular emulsifiers are adsorbed or absorbed onto a hydrophobic polymer; the coating film formed has excellent water resistance and durability. For ease of processing, the coating system may have a pot life of at least about 30 minutes, preferably about 2 hours, and a curing temperature of about 25° C. to about 90° C. To achieve desirable impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and the like, the coating layer is preferably thermosetting, formed from a reactive liquid material.

To improve uniformity, abrasion resistance, and/or weatherability of the coating layer, one or more fillers are selectively blended into the coating composition. Suitable fillers include those discussed above and those discussed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/462,548, which is previously incorporated by reference. Fillers such as ZnO and TiO are preferred because they reflect the harmful UV light, and enhance light stability of the coating.

An optional coupling agent may be used to bond the filler to the polymer matrix of the coating layer, to integrate the filler and keep it from sedimentation, and to promote adhesion and dispersion. Coupling agents are compounds having at least a first functionality linkable to the filler particle, and at least a second functionality linkable to the coating matrix or a reactive component therein. The first functional group includes hydroxy, phenoxyl, hydroxy ether, silane, or aminoplast moieties. The second functional group includes hydroxy, isocyanate, carboxyl, epoxy, amine, urea, vinyl, amide, aminoplast, or silane moieties. The coupling agent preferably has a polyvalent backbone comprising one or more silicone or phosphorus moieties and alkyl groups having 1 to about 12 carbon atoms. Suitable coupling agents may be oligomeric or polymeric acrylics, polyesters, polyethers, polyurethanes, polyamides, epoxies, alkyds, or combinations of two or more thereof. Weight ratio of the coupling agent to the filler can be any amount that will result in the formation of a suitable abrasion resistant coating on a golf ball, preferably about 1:1 to 1:90, more preferably about 1:1 to 1:40, and most preferably about 1:6 to 1:12. The weight ratio of colloidal silica/coupling agent combo to the resin/curative combo is preferably about 1:1 to about 1:50, more preferably about 1:1 to 1:10, and most preferably about 1:4 to 1:8. Other suitable coupling agents are discussed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/462,548.

The coating layer of the second embodiment may be a clear or pigmented primer or topcoat, or a single layer combining the properties of both, formed onto a dimpled cover layer or outer cover layer through any methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The formulations are generally applied in a fluid form, providing a very thin coating layer, about 0.0001 inch to 0.01 inch, the outer cover layer. Preferably, the thickness of the coating layer is about 0.001 to 0.01 inch; more preferably, about 0.002 inches to 0.005 inch. The amount of coating applied to a standard-sized golf ball is about 0.01 gram to 1 gram. Specific application techniques useful to form the coating layer include casting, spraying, dipping, spin coating, electrostatic coating, flow coating, and others known to the skilled in the art. The coating layer may also be applied in a laminate form or by any other techniques known in the art. Preferred methods of applying the coating and reaction/coating conditions may vary with material compositions, but are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, the curing temperature for the coating compositions of the present invention are preferably less than about 80° C., more preferably less than about 60° C., and most preferably about 0° C. to about 50° C.

In accordance to the third embodiment of the present invention, a soft touch coating further comprising an ordered periodic array of a polymeric particles held in a polymeric matrix, wherein the particles have an average size of about 0.01 to 1 micron. When the difference of the refractive indices between the particles and the matrix is greater than about 0.01, the coating exhibits a color traveling effect, as well as a soft touch effect. The difference in refractive indices is preferably at least about 0.05, and more preferably at least about 0.1.

According to this embodiment, the golf packaging or equipment can be coated with one or more coating layers, wherein at least one coating layer comprises a color traveling effect composition, and at least one coating layer comprises a soft touch composition. Alternatively, the soft touch effect and the color traveling effect can be in a single coating layer.

As used herein, “color traveling effect composition” or “color effect composition” refers to any composition that imparts a desired color traveling effect to a coating. Color traveling technology, which is very different from holography, involves goniochromaticity. Goniochromaticity is the effect of the perceived varying color as the angle of illumination or observation varies.

Examples of color traveling effect compositions comprise transparent coated micas and/or synthetic micas, coated silica, coated alumina, transparent liquid crystal pigments, liquid crystal coatings, and/or any composition wherein interference results from a refractive index differential within the material and not because of the refractive index differential between the surface of the material and the air. Preferably, the color traveling effect composition comprises an ordered periodic array of particles held in a matrix. Alternatively, the particles in the array comprise a radiation diffractive material.

The matrix may be an organic polymer, such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic, alkyd, polyester, siloxane, polysulfide, epoxy or mixtures thereof and, in one embodiment, is crosslinked. Alternatively, the matrix may be an inorganic polymer, such as a metal oxide (e.g. alumina, silica or titanium dioxide) or a semiconductor (e.g. cadmium selenide).

As shown in FIG. 3, the color traveling effect composition 2 of one embodiment of the present invention includes an array 4 of particles P₁, P₂, . . . P_(x-1), and P_(x) held in a polymeric matrix 6. The volumetric ratio of particles to matrix can range from about 25:75 to 80:20, such as about 72:28 to 76:24. The particles typically have an average particle size of about 0.01 to 1 micron, such as about 0.06 to 0.5 micron; the particles will typically be similar in size and in one embodiment differ in size from each other by a maximum of about 5 to 15 percent. The particles are arranged in layers L₁, L₂, . . . L_(x-1), and L_(x) stacked upon each other so that the surfaces of the particles P₁-P_(x) contact each other. The surface of each particle contacts at least one other particle. The particles P₁-P_(x) may be composed of an organic polymer, such as a polyurethane, polycarbonate, polystyrene, an acrylic polymer, an alkyd polymer, polyester, siloxane polymer, polysulfide, an epoxy-containing polymer or a polymer derived from an epoxy-containing polymer. In one embodiment, the polymer is crosslinked. Alternatively, the particles P₁-P_(x) may be composed of an inorganic polymer or material, such as a metal oxide (e.g. alumina, silica or titanium dioxide) or a semiconductor (e.g. cadmium selenide). Still alternatively, the particles and the matrix can comprise the same material, provided there is a refractive index differential.

The particles are fixed in the matrix by providing a dispersion of the particles, all bearing a similar charge, in a carrier, applying the dispersion onto a substrate such as a temporary substrate, evaporating the carrier to produce an ordered periodic array of the particles on the substrate, coating the array of particles with the matrix, and curing the matrix to fix the array of particles within the polymer. The dispersion may contain about 1 to 70 vol. % of the charged particles, such as about 30 to 65 vol. % of the charged particles. The substrate may be a flexible material (such as a polyester film) or an inflexible material (such as glass). The dispersion can be applied to the substrate by dipping, spraying, brushing, roll coating, curtain coating, flow coating or die coating to a desired thickness, such as a thickness of about 20 microns, about 10 microns, or about 5 microns. The fixed array of particles can be removed from the substrate in the form of an extended film or continuous layer, or removed from the substrate and converted into particles or flakes. When in the form of an extended film or continuous layer, the layer itself can be the coating comprising the color effect composition. The thickness of the film or layer can vary depending on the needs of the user. For example, the film or layer can be about 100 microns or less, such as about 20 microns or less, preferably about 10 microns or less. When in particulate or flake form, the particles or flakes can be added to the coating composition. In another aspect, the particles/flakes can comprise about 0.1 to 40 weight percent, such as about 1 to 20 weight percent, preferably 5 to 15 weight percent of the total coating composition. The size of the particles/flakes can range from about 5 to 5000 microns in diameter, such as about 5 to 100, preferably about 10 to 50. The color effect composition of this embodiment is further described in U.S. Publication No. 2003/0125416, incorporated by reference herein.

At least one coating layer according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a soft touch composition. Any soft touch composition discussed above can be used.

The soft touch composition and the color effect composition can be in the same layer. For example, the color effect composition can be flaked or particularized and added to a coating having a soft touch composition.

Alternatively, the color effect composition is in one coating layer, and the soft touch effect composition is in another coating layer. For example, the coating that includes the color effect composition can be a basecoat, over which is applied a clearcoat that does not contain the color effect composition. The clearcoat can comprise the soft touch composition. A soft feel clearcoat is commercially available from PPG Industries, Inc., as VELVECRON. In this example, the dry film thickness of the coating comprising the color effect composition can range from about 1 to 50 microns, more preferably about 3 to 15 microns, and the dry film thickness of the coating comprising the soft touch composition can range from about 0.1 to 20 mils, more preferably about 1.5 to 4 mils.

The color effect compositions and the soft touch compositions can be used in a wide variety of coating compositions. These include waterborne and solvent-borne liquid coating compositions, powder coating compositions, powder slurry compositions, and electrodeposition compositions. They can be used in clear coatings (i.e., those that produce cured films having substantial transparency) or they can be added to other pigments and/or dyes in colored coatings. Functionally, the coatings that may include the color effect and soft touch effect compositions include primers, basecoats, and topcoats, as well as any one or more of the coatings in a multi-coat combination. Compatibility of the color effect and soft touch compositions with a variety of polymer types has been observed, and it can be expected that any known film-forming polymer composition used for coatings could be used. Some of the more common families of polymer compositions used in coatings include polyurethanes, acrylic polymers, alkyd polymers, polyesters, siloxane-containing polymers, polysulfides, epoxy-containing polymers, and polymers derived from epoxy-containing polymers and combinations thereof. These are known to be provided in coatings as lacquers, thermoplastics, or thermosetting types of compositions. Thermosetting compositions will further include cross-linking agents, such as polyisocyanates, amino-formaldehyde aminoplasts, polyacids, polyanhydrides, and combinations thereof. As used herein, “film-forming” means that the materials form a self-supporting continuous film on at least a horizontal surface upon removal of any solvents or carriers present in the composition or upon curing at ambient or elevated temperature.

Volatile materials that can be included as diluents in the liquid or powder slurry coating compositions include water and/or organic solvents, such as alcohols, ethers and ether alcohols, ketones, esters, aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons, and aromatic hydrocarbons as are commonly employed in the coating industry. Examples of solvents for coatings include aliphatic solvents, such as hexane, naphtha, and mineral spirits; aromatic and/or alkylated aromatic solvents, such as toluene, xylene, and SOLVESSO 100 (aromatic blend from Exxon Chemicals); alcohols, such as ethyl, methyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl and amyl alcohol, and m-pryol; esters, such as ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate and isobutyl isobutyrate; ketones, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, diisobutyl ketone, methyl n-amyl ketone, and isophorone, glycol ethers and glycol ether esters, such as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, and dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate.

The coating compositions can further include one or more additives, such as UV absorbers and stabilizers, rheology control agents, surfactants, catalysts, film build additives, fillers, flatting agents, defoamers, microgels, pH control additives, and other pigments. Along with the color effect compositions, it may be useful in some cases to also include conventional pigments and dyes. These include micas, iron oxides, carbon black, titanium dioxide, aluminum flakes, bronze flakes, coated mica, nickel flakes, tin flakes, silver flakes, copper flakes, and combinations thereof. Other organic coloring agents (e.g., dyes or organic pigments) could also be included.

The coating layer(s) of the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied to the substrate using any suitable means, such as die coating, direct roll coating or reverse roll coating, curtain coating, spray coating, brush coating, gravure coating, flow coating, slot-dye coating, ink-jet coating, electrodeposition, and any combinations thereof. Powder coatings are generally applied by electrostatic deposition. One skilled in the art can select proper application methods if more than one layer is used, and will further know how to affect cure of the coating layer(s).

Any substrate including packaging for golf balls, golf equipment and golf display can be coated.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

Example 1 Ultraviolet Radiation Curable Organic Composition

An ultraviolet radiation curable organic composition was prepared via the following procedure. Diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide/2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone (30 grams), 50/50 blend from Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., in 818 grams of ethyl alcohol, 140 grams of SR 295 from Sartomer Company, Inc., Exton, Pa., and 130 grams of SR494 from Sartomer Company, Inc., Exton, Pa., were added with stirring to 730 grams SR9020 from Sartomer Company, Inc., Exton, Pa.

Example 2 Dispersion of Polymer Particles in Water

A dispersion of polymer particles in water was prepared via the following procedure: 2.45 grams of sodium bicarbonate from Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc., was mixed with 2045 grams of deionized water and added to a 1 gallon reaction kettle equipped with a thermocouple, baffles, stirrer, reflux condenser, heating mantle, and nitrogen inlet. The mixture was sparged with nitrogen for 40 minutes with stirring and blanketed with nitrogen. Aerosol MA80-I (26.5 grams) from Cytec Industries, Inc., West Paterson, N.J., in 229 grams deionized water was added to the mixture with stirring, and the mixture was heated to 50° C. using an electric mantle. Styrene monomer (416.4 grams) from Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc., was added with stirring. The mixture was heated to 60° C. Sodium persulfate from Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc.; (6.2 g in 72 grams of deionized water) was added to the mixture with stirring. Divinyl benzene (102.7 grams), from Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc., was added to the mixture with stirring. Styrene monomer (100.0 grams), methyl methacrylate monomer (239.4 grams), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate monomer (24.0 grams) and divinyl benzene monomer (15.1 grams) from Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc., were added with stirring. 3-Allyloxy-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid, sodium salt (41.4 grams, 40% in water) from Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc. was added to the mixture with stirring. The temperature of the mixture was maintained at approximately 60° C. for 6 hours. The resultant polymer dispersion was allowed to cool to room temperature and was filtered through a 325 mesh stainless steel screen. The process was repeated. The two resultant dispersions were added together and ultrafiltered using an EP2524-BS01-T2 column from PTI Advance Filtration, Oxnard, Calif. Deionized water (approximately 600 grams) was added to the dispersion after approximately 600 grams of ultrafiltrate had been removed. This exchange was repeated 15 times. Additional ultrafiltrate was then removed until the solids content of the mixture was 41.2 percent by weight.

Example 3 Color Effect Film

Eighteen hundred grams of material prepared in Example 2 was applied via slot-die coater from Frontier Technologies, Towanda, Pa. to a polyethylene terephthalate substrate and dried at 180° F. for 40 seconds to a porous dry film thickness of approximately 7.0 microns. One thousand grams of material prepared in Example 1 was applied via slot-die coater from Frontier Industrial Technologies into the interstitial spaces of the porous dry film on the polyethylene terephthalate substrate, dried at 150° F. for 40 seconds, and then ultraviolet radiation cured using a 100 W mercury lamp.

Example 4 Color Effect Packaging

Fourteen hundred grams of a radiation curable composition comprising 1190 grams of SR-9020 from Sartomer Company, Inc., Exton, Pa., and 24 grams of Diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide/2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone (30 grams), 50/50 blend from Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., in 210 g of ethyl alcohol, was applied via slot-die coater from Frontier Industrial Technologies, Towanda, Pa. to 1000 square feet of color effect film of Example 3. The coated film was dried at 150° F. for 40 seconds, laminated to a printed polyethylene terephthalate sheet with black, green, purple, yellow and white printing and a transparent (unprinted) window, between the two coater nip rolls under light compression (10 psi), and then ultraviolet radiation cured using a 100 W mercury lamp. The polyethylene terephthalate substrate of Example 3 was then pealed from the laminated, printed sheet while the color effect component remained attached to the laminated printed sheet. The resultant color effect laminated printed sheet was folded and glued to produce a lustrous, decorative color effect package. The perceived color of the said package changed with viewing angle to include green, blue and violet. Additionally, the transparent window displayed a lustrous blue color that changed to violet with changing viewing angle, yet remained clear and transparent.

Example 5 Soft Touch Color Effect Packaging

Example 4 was repeated except that prior to folding and gluing, the resultant color effect laminated printed sheet was further coated with 50 to 75 microns (dry film thickness) of VELVECRON XPC30002 from PPG Industries, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., via spray application. The painted sheet was dried at room temperature for 10 minutes then cured using a convection oven for 30 minutes at a temperature of 180° F. The resultant VELVECRON coated color effect laminated printed sheet was folded and glued to produce a lustrous, decorative color effect package. The perceived color of the said package changed with viewing angle to include green, blue and violet. Additionally, the transparent window displayed a lustrous blue color that changed to violet with changing viewing angle, yet remained clear and transparent. Further, the lustrous, decorative color effect package had a desirable soft touch quality specifically having a soft velvet like feel.

Example 6 Comparative Example

A packaging sleeve from PINNACLE POWER CORE golf balls from Acushnet Company, Fairhaven, Mass., having an embossed hologram that exhibits a desirable color effect in that the perceived color of the package changed with viewing angle to include green, blue and violet, was unfolded and was further coated with 50 to 75 microns (dry film thickness) of VELVECRON XPC30002 via spray application. The painted unfolded package was dried at room temperature for 10 minutes then cured using a convection oven for 30 minutes at a temperature of 180° F. The resultant VELVECRON coated package was folded and glued to produce a decorative package. The decorative package had a desirable soft touch quality specifically having a soft velvet like feel. However, the desirable color effect of perceived color change with viewing angle was no longer observed. This demonstrates one advantage of the present invention, in that both the color effect and soft feel are achieved.

Example 7 Color Effect Flake

Eighteen hundred grams of material prepared in Example 2 was applied via slot-die coater from Frontier Technologies, Towanda, Pa., to a polyethylene terephthalate substrate and dried at 180° F. for 40 seconds to a porous dry film thickness of approximately 3.5 microns. One thousand grams of material prepared in Example 1 was applied via slot-die coater from Frontier Industrial Technologies into the interstitial spaces of the porous dry film on the polyethylene terephthalate substrate, dried at 150° F. for 40 seconds, and then ultraviolet radiation cured using a 100 W mercury lamp. The cured film was removed from the polyethylene terephthalate substrate and milled to approximately 50 microns in size using a model ZM100 centrifugal mill from Retsch GmbH & Co. KG, Haan, Germany.

Example 8 Soft Touch Color Effect Coating

Twenty grams of material prepared in Example 7 was added with stirring to 80 grams of VELVECRON XPC30002. A black plastic three-dimensional style form was coated, via spray application, with the resultant coating composition to a dry film thickness of 50 to 75 microns. The perceived color of the said coated article changed with viewing angle to include blue, violet and black. Further, the lustrous, decorative color effect coating had a desirable soft touch quality specifically having a soft velvet like feel.

The softness of the coating according to all the embodiments of the present invention may be determined and measured by, but not limited to, a device such as the Lab Master Surface Softness Tester according to the Testing Machines Inc. Group of Companies, available at www.testingmachines.com.

The soft touch coating may be observed for its antiglare or flat appearance by viewing it at an angle of about 45° with light projected directly from above the coating. The soft touch coating is evaluated whether (a) the coating has excellent flat finish properties by not seeming to appear whitish; (b) the coating appears whitish; (c) the coating seems not to be flat.

In addition to the three embodiments described above, other soft touch coatings can be used on golf packaging and/or golf equipment. For example, the “Soft Feeling Paint” of the Alsa Corporation (www.alsacorp.com) can be used for the coating of golf package, golf equipment, display counter and the flooring in the vicinity of the flooring. A primer is not needed for most plastic surfaces, and the Soft Feeling Paint may be sprayed on and the product should be force-dried. The Soft Feeling Paint comprises a soft component, a hardener and a thinner. These components are available from the Alsa Corporation.

Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of materials, and others in the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values inclusive of the recited values may be used.

While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed herein fulfill the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. Examples of such modifications include slight variations of the numerical values discussed above. Hence, the numerical values stated above and claimed below specifically include those values and the values that are approximately or nearly close to the stated and claimed values. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which would come within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A golf ball package comprising a plurality of golf balls, and a container enclosing the golf balls wherein at least a portion of the container has one or more layers of a soft touch coating, wherein the coating further comprises a water-based coating composition, and a suspension of a plurality of silicone rubber particles in water.
 2. The golf ball package of claim 1, wherein the silicone rubber particles have an average particle size of less than 200 micrometers.
 3. The golf ball package of claim 2, wherein the silicone rubber particles have an average particle size of 1 to 100 micrometers.
 4. The golf ball package of claim 1, wherein the water-based coating composition is a member selected from the group consisting of water-based polyurethane resin coating compositions, water-based alkyd resin coating compositions, water-based aminoalkyd resin coating compositions, water-based epoxy resin coating compositions, water-based acrylic resin coating compositions, water-based silicone-modified epoxy resin coating compositions, water-based silicone-modified polyester resin coating compositions, and water-based silicone resin coating compositions.
 5. The golf ball package of claim 1, wherein the silicone rubber particle is present in 1 to 150 weight parts per 100 weight parts of total solids in the water-based coating composition.
 6. The golf ball package of claim 1, wherein the silicone rubber particle further comprise an organopolysiloxane, a filler and a pigment, wherein the organopolysiloxane is attached to a member selected from the group consisting of an alkeny group, hydrogen, and a vinyl group.
 7. The golf ball package of claim 6, wherein the filler is a member selected from the group consisting of precipitated silica, fumed silica, calcined silica, fumed titanium oxide, powdered quartz, diatomaceous earth, asbestos, aluminosilicic acid, iron oxide, zinc oxide, and calcium carbonate.
 8. The golf ball package of claim 1, wherein the silicone rubber particles comprise a first average particle size, and a second average particle size, wherein the first average particle size is 0.1 to less than 4 micrometers, and the second average particle size is 4 to 200 micrometers.
 9. The golf ball package of claim 8, wherein the first average particle size is 0.1 to 3.5 micrometers.
 10. The golf ball package of claim 9, wherein the second average particle size is 4 to 100 micrometers.
 11. A golf ball package comprising a plurality of golf balls, and a container enclosing the golf balls wherein at least a portion of the container has one or more layers of a soft touch coating, wherein the coating further comprises a two-component thermosetting polyurethane that is substantially saturated.
 12. The golf ball package of claim 11, wherein the polyurethane further comprises a component wherein the component is selected from a group consisting of a UV absorber, a hindered amine light stabilizer, an antioxidant, an optical brightener, an abrasion filler, a coupling agent, a colorant, and a combination thereof.
 13. The golf ball package of claim 11, wherein the coating has a coefficient of friction of 0.8 to 1.5, and the coating has a 60° gloss of 80 to 95 gloss units.
 14. The golf ball package of claim 11, wherein the coating has a thickness of 0.0001 inch to 0.01 inch.
 15. The golf ball package of claim 11, wherein the coating is translucent, transparent, or pigmented.
 16. A golf ball package comprising a plurality of golf balls, and a container enclosing the golf balls wherein at least a portion of the container has at least one coating layers, wherein said at least a portion of the container comprises a color traveling effect composition, and a soft touch composition.
 17. The golf ball packaging of claim 16, wherein the color traveling effect composition and the soft touch composition are in the same coating layer.
 18. The golf ball packaging of claim 16, wherein the color traveling effect composition and the soft touch composition are in different coating layers.
 19. The golf ball packaging of claim 16, wherein the color traveling effect composition and the soft touch composition comprise an ordered periodic array of particles held in a matrix, and the particles have an average size of 0.01 to 1 micron.
 20. The golf ball package of claim 19, wherein a difference between a first refractive index of the particles and a second refractive index of the matrix is at least 0.01.
 21. The golf ball package of claim 19, wherein the particles comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyurethane, an acrylic polymer, an alkyd polymer, a polyester, a siloxane-containing polymer, a polysulfide, an epoxy-containing polymer, a polymer derived from an epoxy-containing polymer, alumina, silica, titanium dioxide, cadmium selenide, and a combination thereof.
 22. The golf ball package of claim 19, wherein the matrix made from a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyurethane, an acrylic polymer, an alkyd polymer, a polyester, a siloxane-containing polymer, a polysulfide, an epoxy-containing polymer, a polymer derived from an epoxy-containing polymer, alumina, silica, titanium dioxide, cadmium selenide, and a combination thereof.
 23. A soft touch golf equipment comprising a golf equipment, and one ore more layers of a soft touch coating on the golf equipment or a portion of a golf equipment, wherein the coating further comprises a water-based coating composition, and a suspension of a plurality of silicone rubber particles in water.
 24. The soft touch golf equipment of claim 24, wherein the golf equipment is a member selected from the group consisting golf ball, golf club, golf glove, golf shoe, golf bag, and golf accessory.
 25. A soft touch display counter for golf equipment comprising a display counter for golf equipment, a flooring on which the display counter locates, and a soft touch coating applied to at least one of the display counter and the flooring, wherein the coating further comprises a water-based coating composition, and a suspension of a plurality of silicone rubber particles in water. 